Every 4th of July, the USA celebrates the anniversary of its independence from British colonial rule while denying freedom to people around the world.

This year, Peace Action Wellington (PAW) is calling on people to join us in protesting at the US ambassador's Independence Day function.

"US military forces are occupying Afghanistan and Iraq while its corporations exploit those countries for private profit", said PAW spokesperson Grant Brookes.

"Under the cover of the so-called 'war on terrorism', the United States is intervening globally in dozens of countries. Our government is lending its support.

"The US continues to arm and fund the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land. $12 billion in assistance has been allocated to Israel this year, including $3 billion in direct military aid.

"Meanwhile, US-supplied warplanes are also being used by Indonesia to suppress the popular independence movement in Aceh.

"We oppose the US government's economic, political and military repression of the world's people", said Grant Brookes. "But we are not 'anti-American'."

"There is another America behind the false images of the media and culture industry. Our protest will support the people demonstrating across the US on July 4 against the invasion of Iraq and the erosion of their civil rights.

"We will also call on the New Zealand government to end all support for the so-called 'war on terrorism', recall the military forces sent to Afghanistan this week and rescind the offer of New Zealand troops for Iraq.

"Any New Zealand troops in Iraq would certainly be identified by Iraqi people as part of the enemy occupation."

IMAGE: shell kills so you can drive

Peace Action Wellington will protest the US ambassador's function at the Skyline Restaurant (top of the cable car) from 4.30pm on Thursday July 3, organise street theatre in Cuba Mall from 12 noon on Friday July 4 leading to a rally at Midland Park (Lambton Quay) with speakers and open mike at 1pm, and will hold a public meeting on "The role of the US around the world" at the Girlies Space, 158 Cuba St, from 2pm on Saturday July 5.

These events will part of a July 4 national day of action which will also see protests in other centres, including Auckland and Christchurch.

ENDS

For more information, contact Grant Brookes, (04) 566 9171 or e-mail peacewellington@hotmail.com

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